The arrival of November means, among other things, that it is time to start considering what you are going to prepare for your impending Thanksgiving feast and how you are going to prepare it. One of the traditional staples of Thanksgiving dinner is turkey, and while it may seem like a simple enough thing to prepare, it is nonetheless a cause of anxiety for those who have either had hiccups in years past or who have never prepared one before.

Generally, the most widely-recommended method for preparing a holiday turkey is roasting. It is a relatively simple endeavor that should result in a delicious bird that should satiate the appetites of everyone at your table and provide more than enough leftovers to provide sandwiches for days.

If you are still uncertain as to how to pull off a perfectly-roasted turkey, consider the following tips.

How to brine

MarthaStewart.com recommends soaking your turkey in a mixture of salt and water overnight to enhance the moisture of the meat, and adding aromatics to your brine solution if you want additional flavor notes. To make brine for an 18 – 20-lb. turkey, you will need 7 quarts of water and 1 1/2 cups of coarse salt at minimum. MarthaStewart.com’s recipe recommends bay leaves, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, crushed garlic and Riesling as just a few ingredients that can be added to the mixture for additional flavor, but you can ultimately make your mixture with any additives you choose. Place brine in a 5-gallon container lined with a large brining or roasting bag, submerge turkey, allow to sit overnight and remove from brine one hour before cooking.

Prep the turkey

Per Butterball.com, your first task will be draining any juices from the turkey and patting it dry. After this step is completed, place the turkey breast-up in a roasting pan, tucking the wings underneath the body. Season the surface of the bird with salt, pepper or any seasonings you prefer and dress the bird with vegetable oil.

Weight matters

According to Butterball.com, the overall weight of your fresh or thawed turkey will ultimately determine how much time it spends roasting. Whether you choose a regular or convection oven, you will want to set the temperature to 325 degrees.

If your turkey is frozen and stuffed, you can take it directly out of the freezer and pop it into a regular oven without waiting for it to thaw. For this kind of turkey, observe the following times relative to weight: 4 – 4.25 hours for 7 – 9 lb.; 4.25 – 5 hours for 9 – 12 lb.; and 5 – 6 hours for 12 – 14 lb.

Final steps

Prior to placing your bird in the oven, insert a meat thermometer into its breast. You will know that the meat is adequately cooked when the temperature reads 165 degrees. Butterball.com also recommends placing tin foil over the breast and drumsticks when cooking is two-thirds of the way done in order to prevent overcooking.

Once the turkey is finished, move to a platter and let rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.

By following these instructions, you should have a turkey that is perfectly cooked and delicious in every way. If you are still uncertain, acquire the help of a parent or family member who has successfully prepared Thanksgiving meals in the past and ask for their input.

]]>https://consumerist.com/2015/10/02/cpsc-129000-dishwashers-recalled-over-power-cords-that-may-burst-into-flames/
Fri, 02 Oct 2015 19:38:15 +0000Mary Beth Quirkhttps://consumerist.com/2015/10/02/cpsc-129000-dishwashers-recalled-over-power-cords-that-may-burst-into-flames/Because washing dishes shouldn’t result in a fiery inferno, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling 129,000 dishwashers in the U.S., after reports that power cords used for multiple brands can overheat and burst into flame.

The dishwashers were sold under the labels Bosch, Gaggenau, Kenmore Elite and Thermador according to the CPSC, at a variety of appliance and specialty retailers, department stores, authorized builder distributors, home improvement stores nationwide and online between January 2009 and May 2014 for between $850 and $2600. An additional 45,000 washers sold in Canada are also included in the recall.

So far, 10 reports of fires have been linked to the dishwashers, causing property damage in five of those blazes — but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers are advised to stop using the appliances immediately, and call the recall hotline at 888-965-5813 to arrange for a free inspection and repair

Check the chart below for the brands and model numbers affected — the CPSC also has instructions on how to locate your washer’s serial number if you think it might be included in the recall:

]]>https://jackmaxton.wordpress.com/2015/09/15/why-do-we-recommend-acdelco-dexos1-certified-engine-oil/
Tue, 15 Sep 2015 14:39:17 +0000jackmaxtonhttps://jackmaxton.wordpress.com/2015/09/15/why-do-we-recommend-acdelco-dexos1-certified-engine-oil/GM dexos™ Engine Oil Increases Engine Efficiency New for the 2011 model year, GM will introduce ACDelco dexos™1 certified engine oil as a factory fill and service fill for its gasoline engines worldwide. The new engine oil specification has been developed to help meet the increased demands for enhanced engine efficiency. dexos™ oil helps deliver increased fuel efficiency and reduced engine emissions. dexos™ is a GM proprietary engine oil specification that has been designed to:

Further improve fuel economy (to meet future Corporate Average Fuel Economy, CAFE, requirements) and fuel economy retention through improved viscometric properties that create less friction in the engine, which allows the oil to maintain its fuel economy benefits throughout the longer life of the oil

Provide a more robust formulation for added engine protection that offers improved oxidation and deposit-forming tendencies and aeration performance, which enables fuel-saving devices, such as January / February I 2011 January / February 2011 ACDelco News Page 2 Variable Valve Timing, to work optimally

Support GM’s Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS) by resisting degradation between oil changes

Ensure worldwide availability of equal quality oil while reducing the duplication of a large number of internal GM engine oil specifications, replacing GM specifications GMLL-A-025, GM6094M and GM4718M. dexos™1 also is backward compatible for older vehicles; however, the owner manual oil specification in prior model years remains acceptable.

dexos™ Classifications

The dexos™ specification includes two classifications.

GM will require dexos™1 for global factory fill in spark ignited engines worldwide and service fill for gasoline engines worldwide. It will replace the GM6094M specification for most GM gasoline engines.

dexos™2, required for diesel engines as well as a service fill for gasoline engines in Europe, was introduced in Europe late last year.

GF-5 Standard

In addition to GM dexos™, a new International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) standard, GF-5, was introduced in 2010. There is a new API engine oil service category – SN Resource Conserving. The current GF-4 standard was put in place in 2004. The GF- 5 standard will use a new engine fuel economy test, called Sequence VID (six D), which provides a statistically significant increase in fuel economy versus the Sequence VIB (six B) test that was used for GF-4. Like dexos™, the new ILSAC GF-5 standard will call for more sophisticated additives.

It’s expected that all dexos™1 approved oils will meet GF-5. However, not all GF-5 engine oils will necessarily meet the dexos™ specification.

Fuel Economy

Since CAFE standards were first introduced in 1974, the fuel economy of cars has more than doubled, while the fuel economy of light trucks has increased by more than 50 percent. Proposed CAFE standards call for a continuation of increased fuel economy in new cars and trucks. To meet these future requirements, all vehicle operation aspects are being looked at more critically than ever before.

New technology being introduced in GM vehicles designed to address vehicle efficiency and fuel economy include direct injection, cam phasing, turbocharging and Active Fuel Management. The demands of these technologies on engine oil also are taken into consideration when determining new oil specifications. Active Fuel Management, for example, can help to achieve improved fuel economy, however, alternately starting and stopping cylinders puts a lot of stress on engine oil.

To meet tough fuel economy mandates, the industry will shift toward lower viscosity oils. Testing has shown that thinner 0W-20 oil, for example, can provide as much as a 4-percent improvement in fuel economy over 15W-40 oil.

dexos™1 will be offered in these viscosities: SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30 and 5W-30. dexos2™ will be available in SAE 5W-30, 0W-40 and 5W-40. Please check the appropriate vehicle owner manual for the proper viscosity grade.

Increased Service Intervals

To help reduce the consumption of oil while maintaining proper engine protection, many GM vehicles equipped with the GM OLMS have a maximum oil change interval that is much longer than what was considered a normal interval just a few years ago.

ACDelco News Page 3 If all GM vehicle owners follow the OLMS intervals in their vehicles as intended, GM estimates that more than 100 million gallons of oil could be saved annually.

The second generation OLMS will rely on significantly more engine operating information than the current system, which, combined with dexos™ certified oil, could allow a significant extension of the maximum oil change interval. dexos™ specifications call for improved oil robustness to support extended drain intervals over a vehicle’s lifetime.

When the OLMS determines that an oil and filter change is needed, the driver is notified by a Change Oil message on the instrument panel. The oil change should be performed within 600 miles (1,000 km). The OLMS must be manually reset when the oil is changed.

dexos™1 Availability: Currently, ACDelco Synthetic Blend dexos™1 5W30 engine oil is available through the GM Oil Program in 55 gallon drums (which can be pumped into bulk tanks). Quart-size packaged product is now available. Orders may be placed through your local ACDelco oil distributor http://www.jackmaxton.com.

]]>https://jackmaxton.wordpress.com/2015/09/03/car-care-back-to-school-maintenance/
Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:12:37 +0000jackmaxtonhttps://jackmaxton.wordpress.com/2015/09/03/car-care-back-to-school-maintenance/Routine maintenance will help your vehicle run smoothly for the entire school year

Whether you’re ferrying a brood to preschool or sending an older child off to college this fall, it’s a great time of year to check out your vehicle. The last thing you need in the middle of the term is the distraction of car trouble. While you take the time to check off the school supply list, here are a few items to ensure your vehicle can keep up with you.

Check the lights: It doesn’t take more than a few minutes to walk around the car in the driveway and make sure everything that lights up or blinks does what it should. It’s not uncommon for position lamps or directional indicators to have blown bulbs without the driver noticing. Don’t forget to check the headlamps, taillamps and brake lamps. Get a helper to make it go faster.

Check the tires: This is another inspection that’s pretty quick. Start with the visuals. Are there obvious nicks or cuts in the sidewall or the tread? Any signs of impact? Look at the tread itself. Is there good tread depth? Is tread evenly worn? If wear isn’t even, it means there could be an alignment problem that can be both costly and dangerous. Get yourself a tire pressure gauge and make sure tires are inflated to the level the manufacturer recommends. All cars have a conspicuously located sticker, often on a door jamb or under the fuel filler cap, with recommended tire pressure. Check your owner’s manual if you can’t find it. Finding anything lodged in the tire or obvious bubbles in the sidewall should send you immediately to get repair.

Check the fluids: Coolant, oil, transmission fluid. These are the lifeblood of your car. Make sure you check them properly and fill as needed. Winter will be here sooner than you think, so don’t forget to top off the windshield washer fluid and put a spare bottle in the car, along with an ice scraper and snow brush. If you don’t want to maintain fluids yourself, your dealer’s service department can make sure everything is as it should be. It can also be convenient to roll this whole exercise into an oil and filter change.

Replace the wiper blades: Most people can’t tell you the last time they replaced their windshield wiper blades. These little strips of rubber are crucial pieces of safety equipment when it rains, sleets and snows. If you don’t know when the last time you changed them was, or if they are leaving streaks or making annoying noises as they wipe, it’s time to change them. Reduced visibility due to defective equipment is a totally preventable hazard.

Other checks: The back-to-school season may coincide with your vehicle’s service schedule. Roll it all together into a single visit, and make sure your vehicle has attention paid to all these areas and whatever else your manufacturer recommends. Going in for an oil change, check of the brakes, suspension, and steering components, and a general once-over is a good way to make sure you and your passengers stay safe.

If you have any questions, or you simply prefer the experts here at the dealership to perform the work, stop by today.

]]>https://jackmaxton.wordpress.com/2015/08/13/places-to-go-in-your-chevrolet-5-farmers-markets-for-a-delicious-summer-in-ohio/
Thu, 13 Aug 2015 18:56:26 +0000jackmaxtonhttps://jackmaxton.wordpress.com/2015/08/13/places-to-go-in-your-chevrolet-5-farmers-markets-for-a-delicious-summer-in-ohio/Enjoy fresh food produced right here in the Buckeye State

Agriculture has long been an integral part of Ohio, to the extent that it’s often said that every “true” Ohioan knows what’s supposed be “knee high by the Fourth of July” (the answer is corn crops). As you might imagine, the state is home to some of the tastiest farmers markets in the country. With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to start perusing these five great farmers markets for local foods, products and more.

Findlay Market

Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, the Findlay Market Building was founded in 1852, and to this day it remains one of Cincinnati’s most iconic and popular institutions. Located in the city’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Findlay Market hosts a year-long farmers market every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Everything sold is locally grown and most of it is recently harvested, including fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. There are also lots of local baked goods, jams, jellies and handmade items, as well as the occasional street performers. For more information, visit http://www.findlaymarket.org/farmers-market.

North Union Farmers Market

One of the first and finest farmers markets in the area, the North Union Farmers Market at Shaker Square in Cleveland, has been going strong for twenty years now, providing locals with some of the best local foods in Northeastern Ohio. Open every Saturday from 8:00 am to noon, the Shaker Square Market got its start in 1995, when six area farmers brought in trucks filled with tomatoes, sweet corn, apples and berries. Today, the market is host to 128 vendors, ranging from mushroom farmers to local artists. Students from the Cleveland Institute of Music often show up to play for donations, adding even more flavor to the wonderful atmosphere. For more information, visit http://northunionfarmersmarket.org.

Clintonville Farmers Market

This nonprofit farmers market on North High Street in Columbus is a producer-only market, meaning that everything at the market is grown or made by the stall farmer or cottage food producer. Clintonville Farmers Market features fresh, local, seasonal and delicious Ohio foods in a casual, laid-back setting with a strong sense of community. The market is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and during peak season (beginning in July), on Wednesdays from 4-7:00 p.m., as well. For more information, visit http://www.clintonvillefarmersmarket.org.

Athens Farmers Market

When it comes to southeastern Ohio, there aren’t many farmers markets that can top the Athens Farmers Market. Stationed a short distance from the Ohio University campus in a parking lot on East State Street, the Athens Farmers Market eatures local baked goods, meats, cheeses, produce, salsas and more. The market is open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon year-round, but they have Wednesday and Thursday hours during the summer. When the weather is warm, local musicians are more likely to come out and perform, too. For more information, visit http://www.athensfarmersmarket.org.

Toledo Farmers Market

Northwestern Ohio’s premier farmers market is located in the Warehouse District of downtown Toledo. The Toledo Farmers Market boasts over 80 vendors, making it the biggest in the area. In addition to a plethora of local food, the downtown market is also host to frequent fun events, ranging from live jazz to free face-painting for kids. For more information, visit http://www.toledofarmersmarket.com.

Be sure to check out one or more of these farmers markets this summer. Your taste buds will be very happy with your decision.

All-new premium design that’s longer, more comfortable and more fuel-efficient

An American classic for more than 50 years, the Chevrolet Malibu is completely new for 2016, from the ground up. Longer, roomier and significantly lighter than before, the exciting 2016 Malibu is also more efficient, and it’s packed with new features and innovative new connectivity and technology. There’s also a new Malibu model for 2016 – the exceptionally efficient Malibu Hybrid.

“Midsize car customers tell us they want great fuel economy and connected technologies, wrapped in a gorgeous exterior. This is exactly what the 2016 Malibu was engineered to do,” said Malibu Chief Engineer Jesse Ortega.

Debuting a new hybrid powertrain that was developed using knowledge gained from the plug-in Volt hybrid, the front-wheel drive 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid will deliver a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, 47 mpg combined, economy unsurpassed in the segment, and it can travel up to 55 mph on electric power alone. The Malibu Hybrid powertrain includes an all-new direct-injection 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a two-motor drive unit similar to the one in the 2016 Volt, and an 80-cell, 1.5-kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output is 182 hp.

Also available is a high-output 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an all-new GM-developed eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter will generate an estimated 250 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque while returning 32 mpg highway.

A completely new exterior design features slim, sweeping headlamps, a more aggressive-looking dual-port grille and eye-catching body creases that increase visual intensity. The new Malibu is more aerodynamic that before, and available Active Grille Shutters improve aerodynamics further. The restyled Malibu can be equipped with full LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps, creating a more sophisticated look.

Step inside and stretch out in the roomiest Malibu ever. The five-seat cabin has an additional 1.3 inches of legroom, for a total of 38.1 inches, and there’s a big 15.8 cubic foot trunk.

The redesigned Malibu is rich with the latest connectivity technology, including segment-exclusive OnStar 4G LTE in-vehicle connectivity, available wireless phone charging and available dual rear-seat USB ports with 110-volt power outlet. Standard on most Malibu models is the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with seven-inch color touchscreen or the eight-inch MyLink system with 3D map viewing. The seven-inch MyLink system features the convenient Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems, fully integrating smartphone features into the vehicle display for smart, simple, hands-free operation.

You can have as much luxury as you want in your new Malibu, too. Items like Galvano satin chrome trim accents are standard, and amenities like perforated leather upholstery and (Malibu-first) ventilated seats are standard in the new Malibu Premier trim.

New Teen Driver technology mutes audio and any paired devices when front seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts. Teen Driver also features visual and audible warnings when the vehicle exceeds preset speeds. Chevy’s Teen Driver system is the industry’s first with a built-in component that lets parents view on a screen how the vehicle was driven, including maximum speed, distance driven and number of times active safety features were engaged.

The reimagined Chevrolet Malibu is ready to extend its 50-year reign as an American favorite. Attractive, seriously efficient and great to drive, the new 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has the comfort, safety and connectivity to fit a wide range of family lifestyles and budgets. Contact us today for more details and updates on availability, so when the new Malibu arrives later this year, you’ll be at the front of the line.

]]>https://jackmaxton.wordpress.com/2015/05/29/chevrolet-is-global-leader-for-android-auto-apple-carplay/
Fri, 29 May 2015 17:44:46 +0000jackmaxtonhttps://jackmaxton.wordpress.com/2015/05/29/chevrolet-is-global-leader-for-android-auto-apple-carplay/All-new 2016 Cruze is one of 14 Chevrolet models to offer compatibility
LOS ANGELES – According to Strategy Analytics, there are more than 2.3 billion
smartphones in use globally, and that number continues to rise. And on the road,
customers are demanding better integration between phones and their vehicles.
Whether they have an Apple or Android phone, Chevrolet is committed to providing
the smartest, simplest connected driving experience possible to owners across the
globe.

For the 2016 model year, Chevrolet will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
compatibility in more models than any automotive brand. The 14 Chevrolet models
include the all-new 2016 Cruze, which will debut on June 24. Cruze is Chevrolet’s
best-selling passenger car, with more than 3 million sold since launch. Additional
models are listed in a chart below.

“For most of us, our smartphones are essential,” said Mary Barra, CEO of General
Motors. “Partnering with Apple and Google to offer CarPlay and Android Auto
compatibility across the widest range of models in the industry is a great example
of how Chevrolet continues to democratize technology that’s important to our
customers.”

Chevrolet’s seven-inch MyLink system gives owners a smart and simple way to
access both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The eight-inch version of MyLink will
be compatible only with Apple CarPlay at the beginning of the 2016 model year.
While development and testing is not yet complete, Android Auto compatibility may
be available on the eight-inch version of MyLink later in the 2016 model year.

Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto
is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well
as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype,
Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is
available at Android.com/auto.

Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts
them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to
make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the
touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone,
Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps can
be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay.

Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the
steering wheel, helping drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands
on the wheel.

Chevrolet has a strong track record when it comes to broad availability of
customer-centric innovation as the first brand to introduce Siri Eyes Free
functionality and the first and only car company to offer available OnStar 4G LTE
connectivity across a range of cars, trucks and crossovers in the U.S. and Canada.
In less than one year, Chevrolet has connected more than a half-million customers
to high-speed 4G LTE Wi-Fi.

Chevrolet customers in markets around the world including Brazil, Mexico and
Canada will benefit from this new level of smartphone integration. Specific market
availability for Android Auto can be found here. Current Apple CarPlay markets can
be found here.

In 2014, the 14 models included in this rollout accounted for more than 2.4 million
vehicle sales, or 51 percent of Chevrolet’s total global sales.
Using either application is simple in a compatible 2016 Chevrolet. A “Projection”
icon on the MyLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes
to indicate either CarPlay or Android Auto (whichever is applicable) when a
compatible phone is connected via USB. Android Auto requires a phone running the
Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above, while Apple CarPlay requires an
iPhone 5 or later.

Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Apple and
Google’s privacy statements and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also
apply.

Camping season is in full swing. Most parks opened up last month and with school’s dismissing soon for the summer, these five great campgrounds in Ohio are sure to be bustling with activity.

Tappan Lake Park

Located in Deersville, Tappan Lake accommodates more than 500 campsites with full hookups and electric, vacation cabins and camper cabins. More than 2,300 acres of water surface are on hand, ready for swimming, boating and fishing. Meanwhile, the 5,000 acres of land are great for hiking a trail that connects the park to the Tappan Wetlands, a designated watchable wildlife area. You can also play on one of the three playgrounds or engage in some sporting activities such as basketball, tennis, volleyball or horseshoes. The activity center has free Wi-Fi, a laundromat and a nature center, which is the home for many daily programs and activities for children. For more information, visit http://tappanpark.mwcd.org/.

Alum Creek State Park

Alum Creek’s 3,387-acre reservoir and 4,630 acres of gently rolling fields and woodlands provide a nucleus of recreational activity just minutes from Ohio’s capital city. Quiet coves nestled among shale cliffs await the solitary fisherman in the park’s northern reaches, while sun-seekers mingle on the state’s largest inland beach. Playground equipment, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a swimming beach and a boat ramp are designated for campers’ use only, while seemingly endless miles of hiking biking trails run throughout the park, as well. There are camping experiences for everyone here — with almost 300 campsites with 50-amp electrical hookup, three sites that provide a full hookup service including sewer, electricity and water, 30 primitive sites and a group camping area for reserved retreats. For more information, visit http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/alumcreek.

Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills in Logan provides a variety of recreational opportunities in a grand natural setting. The 2,356-acre park has towering cliffs, waterfalls and deep shaded gorges to lure the hiker and naturalist and serve as a backdrop to popular facilities and accommodations. Activities include archery, fishing, nearby hunting, picnicking, pool swimming, hiking and cave exploring, biking and horseback riding. There is no shortage of room for you, as Hocking Hills boasts 15 resorts and campgrounds ranging from cabins to tents to tepees. For more information, visit http://www.hockinghills.com/camping.html.

Indian Lake State Park

The 5,800-acre Indian Lake in Lakeview offers a variety of water-related recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, skiing, hiking, biking and more. Two public beaches provide 1,400 feet of shoreline access to the lake that is surrounded by the 800 acre multi-use park. Nearly 450 family campsites suitable for tents or trailers are available near the lakeshore, and three deluxe cabins can be rented from May through October each year. For more information, visit http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/indianlake or http://www.indianlakearea.com/indian_lake_state_park.htm.

Shawnee State Park

This 1,095-acre park is nestled in the woodlands of Appalachia near the banks of the Ohio River in Portsmouth. Once the hunting grounds of the Shawnee Indians, the region is renowned for its rugged beauty. Roosevelt and Turkey Creek Lakes provide two public beaches for swimming and 68 acres for boating and aquatic sports and fishing.

Six hiking trails traverse the park, along with two bridle trails for 60 miles of backpacking through the wilderness of Ohio. An 18-hole championship golf course is located nearby, along with mini golf, volleyball, basketball and courts, playground equipment and more to be found at the park. The nature center is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with more than 100 sites suitable for camping in tents or trailers there, plus two camper cabins, 25 cottages and a 50-room lodge. For more information, visit http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/shawnee.

Enjoy all the environment of Ohio has to offer, anywhere in Ohio, at the stellar above campsites or any of the many others throughout the state.

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio

More new features, coupe and convertible body styles, stunning performance

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray––all-new for 2014, the most award-winning car of 2014, and 2014 North American Car of the Year––gets even better for 2015 with a long list of performance and design enhancements highlighted by an all-new eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, standard OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and an industry-first Performance Data Recorder.

The 2015 Corvette Stingray is ranked ahead of the Porsche 911, BMW 4 Series and Z4, Jaguar F-TYPE and others in the “Luxury Sports Car” category by U.S. News & World Report. In their review, Kelley Blue Book editors said, “With exterior and interior styling that’s as striking as it is uniquely American, and an incredibly powerful standard V8, the Corvette is nearly untouchable.”

The rear-drive 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (MSRP $55,000) also offers two new design packages, Atlantic and Pacific, the former showing off a luxury sport GT theme and the latter a high-performance motorsport theme.

Open the standard carbon fiber hood and check out the 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine, which produces an exhilarating 455 hp and 460 lb/ft of torque. An available performance exhaust system ups power to 460 hp and 465 lb/ft of torque. The performance numbers of a Corvette Stingray equipped with the Z51 Performance Package are staggering: zero-to-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile in 12 seconds at 119 mph, 1.03g cornering grip and a 60 mph-to-zero stopping distance of only 107 feet thanks to standard four-piston-caliper Brembo brakes. Z51 models also include a dry-sump oil system, to ensure adequate lubrication at speed.

Another amazing Corvette Stingray stat concerns its fuel efficiency, which is EPA-estimated at 29 mph highway when equipped with the available new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching. Thanks to direct injection and Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation, the Corvette Stingray is by far the most efficient sports car on the market with more than 450 hp.

The available new eight-speed automatic was designed and built by GM. It offers shift times that stand with the best dual-clutch automatics, and it’s expected to increase fuel efficiency by up to five percent compared to the previous six-speed automatic. Both the seven-speed manual and the eight-speed automatic will offer Launch Control.

Lightweight, ultra-high-strength aluminum, carbon fiber, advanced manufacturing techniques and a perfect 50/50 weight balance help the 2015 Corvette Stingray excel in both acceleration and cornering. For 2015, 35mm-piston Bilstein shocks come standard on the Corvette Stingray, with 45mm-piston Bilstein shocks and Magnetic Ride Control featured on Z51 Performance Package models. The Z51 package also features an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) to shift power and traction based on vehicle speed, steering and throttle position.

Outside, the Corvette Stingray is provocative, bold and extremely aerodynamic. Advanced lighting is a central feature of the Corvette Stingray, which features LED headlamps and taillamps; the LED taillamps integrate functional aircraft-type outlets for available transmission and differential coolers.

Every Corvette Stingray coupe features a removable body-color carbon fiber roof panel or an available transparent roof panel. For those who prefer open-air motoring, the Corvette Stingray convertible features an electric top that can be lowered remotely in just 21 seconds at traveling speeds up to 30 mph.

Inside the Corvette is the hand-crafted, fighter-jet-inspired, two-seat cockpit of a world-class supercar, complete with a 14.1-inch diameter steering wheel for more direct steering feel, available Nappa leather upholstery and a choice of two seat options: GT for more all-around comfort and more heavily bolstered Competition Sport for track duty. Available trim options include carbon fiber, micro-suede and aluminum to help customize and enrich the driving experience.

The Corvette Stingray is completely driver focused, featuring technologies like the Driver Mode Selector with five settings––“Eco,” “Tour,” “Sport,” “Track” and “Weather”––for optimal driving performance all the time. The award-winning, industry-first Performance Data Recorder (PDR) lets drivers record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays, of their on- and off-track driving experiences. Developed in part with Cosworth, the PDR system seamlessly integrates a camera, microphone, telemetry recorder, and a dedicated SD-card slot in the glove box for transferring data. An 8G card can store more than three hours of driving footage, while a 32GB card can store more than 13 hours. The PDR can record and overlay data that includes speed, rpm, g-force, lap times, zero-to-60 sprint times, quarter-mile times and zero-100-zero mph runs.

Drivers can view all the data on a high-resolution eight-inch touch-screen on the center stack, and thanks to new Chevrolet MyLink with OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, PDR data can be shared with friends right from the cockpit.

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a motoring legend and an engineering marvel, and the only way to truly appreciate its magic is by sitting behind the wheel. There’s quite a bit more to discover about the 2015 Corvette, so schedule your test drive today.

General Motors encouraged Hispanic students to pursue engineering careers with the automaker as it welcomed the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at its annual conference in Detroit this past November.

With more than 400 chapters nationally, SHPE is the premier organization aimed at empowering Latinos to realize their fullest potential and impact the world through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) awareness, access, support and development. GM was 2014’s Visionary Sponsor of the autumn conference, which is the largest annual STEM event in the country focused on the Hispanic community.As part of that role, GM brand Chevrolet donated a 2014 Chevy Spark to be raffled in in support of the goal to raise more than $250,000 for the SHPE Foundation.

“In GM we have a committed partner that is helping us empower the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential,” said Barry Cordero, Interim CEO of SHPE. “GM has embraced the values of our ‘SHPE-familia,’ joining students, sponsors and supporters of SHPE and all those Hispanics in STEM across the country who share common goals and dreams.”

The four-day conference attracted more than 5,000 engineering professionals, students and corporate representatives to Detroit for unique program workshops, featured guest speakers, award ceremonies, technical competitions and a Career Fair and Graduate School Expo. The conference places the automotive industry front and center before the fastest-growing segment of the population, pointing young students to opportunities that can help propel the industry and positively impact Detroit. It’s also a great opportunity for companies to recruit top talent from SHPE membership and provides educational, technical and career opportunities for professional and student engineers, something of which GM hopes to take advantage as a Visionary Sponsor.

“GM wants to be the employer of choice for Hispanic engineers and this conference is a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship with this important community,” said GM President, Dan Ammann.

At the previous year’s SHPE conference, GM was named Company of the Year for its effort to advance STEM education in the Hispanic community and for enhancing the achievements of its Hispanic employees. GM deployed 40 employees to recruit top talent at the SHPE Career Fair that year, resulting in the hiring of 26 Hispanic engineers; these new employees are lovingly referred to as “SHPE-mates,” a term that unites these young people as part of a new generation of talent at the company.

Furthermore, GM leverages its partnerships with key Hispanic organizations to engage with Hispanic talent around the country each year. One of these is Great Minds in STEM™ (GMiS) which recognized Grace Lieblein, GM vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, as the 2014 Engineer of the Year during the 26th Annual HENAAC (Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation) Conference.

“At GM, our workforce thrives on diversity,” said Ken Barrett, GM chief diversity officer. “Our goal is to continue to create opportunities for Hispanics and others to take their performance to the next level with careers that fit their skills and ignite their passion.”

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio.

The 2015 Chevrolet Camaro covers a lot of bases. It’s a powerful and sporty coupe, a handsome convertible, and even a high-performance sports car. The 2015 Camaro line, available here at Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio, offers sophisticated performance and technology, plus lots of choice, which means you’ll find one that’s right for you.

The 2015 Camaro (MSRP from $23,705) brings show-car styling to the street, and it’s fresh off a 2014 nip and tuck that updated the front and rear fascias. It’s a look that’s helped make it the best-selling car in its segment for the last four years. Every Camaro is strong, starting with the LS and LT trims and their standard 323-hp 3.6-liter V6, continuing through the 426-hp 6.2-liter V8-equipped SS models, and topping out with the track-terror Z/28––an exclusive coupe with a 505-hp 7.0-liter LS7 V8 and a race-ready configuration––and the stunning 580-hp ZL1. Fully-independent suspensions provide exceptional control and confidence, with precise handling and carefully-tuned ride characteristics that are matched to the mission of the model you choose.

The Camaro 2LS Coupe replaces the Aisin® six-speed manual transmission standard in the 1LS with a six-speed automatic transmission with TAPshift manual control. The automatic is combined with a 2.92:1 rear axle ratio, which contributes to highway fuel economy EPA-estimated at 30 mpg.

Available in both coupe and convertible form, the Camaro 1LT comes with Sport Cloth seats, projector foglamps, six-way power-adjustable front seats and the Chevrolet MyLink audio system with USB connectivity. MyLink uses a seven-inch color touch-screen for easy control of audio and communications, and it pairs with your smartphone to wirelessly stream audio through apps like Stitcher and Pandora. The six-speed manual transmission is standard, or you can choose the six-speed TAPshift automatic, which includes remote vehicle start in LT, SS and ZL1 models.

Also available for LT trims are the RS and Rear Vision packages. The RS Appearance Package adds 20-inch aluminum wheels, High-Intensity Discharge headlamps, and LED taillamps. The Rear Vision Package makes maneuvering easy thanks to its Rear Vision Camera and Rear Park Assist system, which includes ultrasonic sensors and audible warnings to both sense and warn you of obstacles behind you.

Serious adrenaline comes with the Camaro SS models, which are also available in both coupe and convertible body styles. The 1SS is where you’ll find a 6.2-liter small-block V8 pumping out 426 hp and 420 lb/ft of torque, paired with either a Tremec® six-speed manual transmission with Launch Control or a six-speed TAPshift automatic. The Camaro 1SS rides on 20-inch wheels and carries four-piston Brembo brake calipers. A limited-slip rear differential maximizes traction and keeps you moving forward. The front and rear fascias are exclusive to the SS trim, and the seats feature model-specific embroidery.

The Camaro 2SS enhances the SS experience with leather seating and the rest of the 2LT amenities.

The most technologically advanced Camaro ever and one of the fastest production cars available, the 2015 ZL1 (coupe or convertible) clobbers the road with 580 hp and 556 lb/ft of torque from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. It’s how you get a Camaro to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. The standard ZL1-specific Tremec TR606 six-speed manual transmission with Launch Control is optimized for the increased torque load, or you can choose a six-speed automatic instead. In the ZL1, the Magnetic Ride Control damping system can adjust up to 1,000 times per second, and it includes “Tour,” “Sport” and “Track” settings that give drivers a wide range of choice in ride characteristics – everything from plush cruising comfort to track-specific firmness. Brembo performance fixed six-piston front brake calipers and four-piston rears are standard, and the 20-inch forged aluminum wheels are strong, light and painted black for a look that packs extra menace. Inside the 2015 ZL1 you’ll find heated front seats, leather and sueded microfiber upholstery, a heads-up display, a color driver information center, remote start (with available automatic transmission) and the Rear Vision Package. It even comes with a five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain/Drivetrain Limited Warranty

The ZL1 isn’t the only high-performance Camaro. Bringing another iconic model designation back, the 2015 Camaro Z/28 Coupe marks the return of a legend that’s true to its racing roots. Its 7.0-liter LS7 V8 generates 505 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque, and the Z/28 has been designed with a performance-first philosophy that means an obsessive focus on trimming the curb weight as much as possible and tuning the chassis to deliver 1.08G of grip. The carbon-ceramic brakes can bring you to a halt with 1.5 times the force of gravity, and there’s a deep well of performance accessible through five Performance Traction Management modes that help tune the car to the conditions. This is the Camaro you pick when your goal is winning races.

There’s a lot to the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro. In any trim, from mild (only relatively) to flat-out wild, the capable Camaro has the chops to back up its looks. Stop in today to learn more, and try them all out for yourself.

The 2015 Chevrolet Impala, on sale here at Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio, is strikingly beautiful, refined inside and out, and it delivers driving exhilaration that’s at the top of its class. In fact, U.S. News ranked the 2015 Impala first out of 10 competitors in the “Affordable Large Cars” category.

The Impala was all-new for 2014, and Chevrolet has enhanced it again for 2015. New this year are engine start/stop for the 2.5 liter four-cylinder, OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and a trio of new exterior colors: Blue Velvet Metallic, Rainforest Green and Autumn Bronze Metallic. There is also a bi-fuel model for 2015 that can run on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG).

There are four front-wheel drive Impala trims to choose from, starting with the well-equipped Impala LS (MSRP $27,060). There’s a standard 2.5-liter Ecotec® four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Also standard is Bluetooth, premium cloth seating, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, projector-beam halogen headlamps, three months of SiriusXM Satellite Radio, six-months of OnStar with Directions & Connections, and a very large, 18.8 cubic foot trunk – one of the largest in the segment.

The 1LT is also available with a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 engine. Power with the V6 jumps to a segment-leading 305 hp and 264 lb/ft of torque, and fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 19 mpg city and 29 highway. All LT and higher trims carry 18.5 gallon fuel tanks, instead of the 15.8 gallon tank in the LS. The 3.6-liter bi-fuel V6 is also available in the 1LT.

The Impala 2LTZ adds the 3.6 liter V6 to the 1LTZ standard features list. Available equipment packages make it easy to further enhance and customize your Impala. The Comfort and Convenience Package adds ventilated front seats; a heated steering wheel; power-adjustable steering column; heated exterior mirrors with driver’s side auto-dimming, integrated turn signals and ground illumination; memory settings for the driver’s seat, mirrors and steering wheel; an auto-dimming rearview mirror; and premium carpeted floor mats and trunk mat. The Impala 1LTZ also features a power sunroof when equipped with this package.

The Premium Audio Package adds an 11-speaker Bose® surround-sound audio system that turns the cabin of the Impala into a rolling concert hall. Also part of the Premium Audio Package is a 120-volt power outlet. Chevrolet MyLink® with Navigation incorporates Bluetooth hands-free phone and streaming audio, and voice command. The Navigation Package comes with the eight-inch color touch-screen Chevrolet MyLink® radio, Keyless Access, push-button start, and ambient lighting for Eco models.

Choose the Advance Safety Package to get Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert, and add the Premium Seating Package for heated front seats, an eight-way power front passenger seat and a cargo convenience net to secure items in the trunk.

The sophisticated, beautifully styled and carefully crafted 2015 Chevrolet Impala is also an exceptional value. Edmunds.com called the 2015 Impala “a genuine must-drive” for anyone looking for a full-size sedan. Driving is believing, so schedule your test drive today.

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Fri, 09 Jan 2015 16:37:54 +0000jackmaxtonhttps://jackmaxton.wordpress.com/2015/01/09/vehicle-profile-2015-chevrolet-ss/The high-performance Chevrolet SS, available here at Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio, marks the return of a classic formula. It’s a rear-wheel drive sedan that looks great without being garish and runs with the best of them without beating you up for the performance. The Chevrolet SS was introduced as a 2014 model; revisions for 2015 further enhance the significant performance and exceptional driving enjoyment provided by the SS.

The 2015 Chevrolet SS (MSRP $44,775) gains some notable standard features, not the least of which is standard Magnetic Ride Control™, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension, which reads the road up to 1,000 times per second. Standard Brembo front brakes now team with rear Brembo hardware, too. The new OnStar 4G LTE system offers built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and there are five new exterior colors as well.

For those who drive for the pure pleasure of it, the most important new feature for 2015 might be the newly available six-speed manual transmission. In an increasingly automatic age, the addition of a manual transmission for the SS underscores a commitment to enthusiasts from Chevrolet.

“The SS reinforces Chevrolet’s position as America’s performance car and affirms what we’ve believed all along – enthusiasts want the driving experience that only a rear-drive sedan can provide,” said Chevrolet U.S. Vice President Brian Sweeney, who also noted that the number one non-GM trade-in for the SS is BMW.

With rear-wheel drive with a sport-tuned chassis, the 2015 Chevrolet SS delivers precision on the road and is tremendously accommodating inside. There’s a fully-independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link rear design. Staggered front and rear tire sizes optimize balance and power while underscoring the lengths Chevrolet will go to make sure the performance of the SS is just right. Weight distribution is an even 50/50 front to rear, and a hood and rear decklid made from aluminum help keep weight down and the center of gravity low.

Offering a single trim level, the 2015 Chevrolet SS carries a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 415 hp and 415 lb/ft of torque. The V8 is paired with a standard six-speed automatic with TAPshift manual control or the new six-speed manual. A limited-slip rear differential gets the power to the road effectively by maximizing traction, and it helps the SS get from zero to 60 mph in a blazing 4.7 seconds – faster than a four-door Porsche Panamera S (4.9 seconds) and just a tenth of a second off a two-door Porsche 911 Carrera (4.6 seconds). The roar from the dual stainless exhaust outlets when you wind out the V8 is something to experience.

The cabin of the 2015 Chevrolet SS is handsomely designed, finely crafted and well-appointed. Jet Black leather-trimmed seats are hand-wrapped. They feature firm bolstering and are power-adjustable with two-way adjustable lumbar, making it easy to find the perfect driving position. Sueded microfiber inserts on the seats are perforated for heating and ventilation. Five adults will find comfort in the cabin of the SS, which provides 42.3 inches of front legroom and 39.7 inches of rear legroom. A standard power sunroof enhances the spacious feeling inside the SS too.

The integrated center stack is capped by a large touch-screen with crisp graphics. The touch-screen is your window into the standard navigation and Chevrolet MyLink systems, as well as serving as your portal to CD/USB/AM/FM/SiriusXM entertainment choices, and communications via paired devices. Climate control is automatic and controlled by easy-to-handle knobs just ahead of the shifter

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Mon, 15 Dec 2014 10:17:08 +0000travelistaideahttps://travelistaidea.wordpress.com/2014/12/15/paris-day-1/After landing on Friday Night we arrived at our apartment in Rue Montmarte. We decided then to spend some time for a relaxing drink nearby: Cafè Etienne Marcel.

After a good sleep we started our walk to the Opera and the Magasin la Fayette which were crowded for the first week of Christmast sale. We moved then to Printemps mall which I think it’s really fantastic. Printemps arranged the BLACK BOX a special area for surprisingly, stylish and unique gift.

Anyway the most joyful thing were the malls windows decorated with moving puppets as a show for all babies. I felt like a baby too!

After a short lunch we visited la Fayette Maison and we moved down to Luxembourg Gardens and to Louvre Museum. Since time was quite short and the weather quite chilling we stopped at Angelina: the best pastry shop in Paris. We had our hot chocolate (L’Africaine), some chat and laught.

Then we came back to the apartment to get prepared for the dinner. My friend selected to go to Marais. It’s so difficult to find a seat for dinner in Paris and we had to wait for second turn. In the meantime we discovered lots of brocantage shops in that area which is also famous for the Sunday vintage market.

Finally we dined at “Des Gars dans la Cuisine” which is so tiny and glamourous. The dinner was special but most of all we enjoyed the sympathetic detonation of the staff!

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Thu, 11 Dec 2014 20:14:16 +0000jackmaxtonhttps://jackmaxton.wordpress.com/2014/12/11/places-to-go-in-your-chevrolet-ring-in-the-new-year-right/Five Ohio Destinations to Ring in the New Year Right

Be the first to see 2015 at these hot spots

Would you celebrate on a boat? Would you celebrate with a goat? No, this is not an excerpt from a Dr. Seuss book; it’s a preview of your New Year’s Eve opportunities in Ohio. With movies, celebrities and more, the Buckeye State is more like a bulls-eye of entertainment and merriment.

First Night Columbus

A spectacle in the capital city, First Night Columbus offers fireworks, live entertainment, activities and fun for all ages. Twenty years ago, the First Night initiative came to Columbus with an international alliance of more than 100 cities to showcase their visual and performing arts through NYE celebrations that are safe, affordable, fun and substance-free. The ‘Bus is transformed into a stage at Veterans Memorial and COSI and costs just $9 for pre-sale tickets. For more information, visit http://firstnightcolumbus.com.

Cleveland Rocks NYE

Want a Times Square-like atmosphere without having to deal with the New York City crowds? Come to Cleveland Rocks NYE. It is a free event in the city’s central Public Square and it includes live entertainment, ice sculptures, refreshments as well as an enthralling fireworks display as the calendar turns to 2015. Special guests are slated to stop by to provide even more entertainment (for example, Cleveland-native Drew Carey was the “special guest” last year). For more information, visit http://newyearseveplan.com/cleveland-nye.

BB Riverboats New Year’s Eve Cruise

In Cincinnati, a city dissected by the Ohio River, why not spend your New Year on the Ohio River? Take the BB Riverboats New Year’s Eve Cruise, which runs from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., and cruise on into 2015. The great city’s sparkling skyline provides a captivating backdrop, especially as the fireworks explode at midnight. Enjoy a three-entrée buffet, late-night snacks, party favors, enchanting entertainment and a champagne toast as the clock strikes midnight. For more information, including booking, visit http://bbriverboats.com/new_years_eve_cruise.html.

Noon Year’s Eve

Noon Year’s Eve at the Toledo Zoo, one of the 10 best zoos in the United States for kids, according to “Child Magazine.” Starting at 11 a.m., come see the 5,300 animals representing more than 760 species; partake in cool crafting; enjoy ice carving demonstrations; and party with music, games and prizes brought to you by Radio Disney. As the ball rises at the stroke of noon, toast to the upcoming New Year with apple cider. And don’t forget to make your resZOOlutions while you’re there. For more information, visit http://www.toledozoo.org/site/program/395.

Hamilton

The big cities aren’t the only places with epically huge New Year’s Eve celebrations. Holiday Auto Theatre, located about 35 miles from Cincinnati, offers a different position. One of the few drive-ins left these days, you can come here to watch four movies on the big screen while still partaking in a countdown to midnight and an apple cider toast. For more information, visit http://holidayautotheatre.com.

With so many options going on at every corner of the state, for New Year’s Eve Ohio truly is “The Heart of It All.”

We’ve all been there. You’re in your car and all of a sudden you have to go the bathroom so bad it can’t wait.

And I’m talkin’ #2 not #1. Well introducing the Bumper Dumper! This chick magnet accessory is a trash can, err.. toilet that hooks up to your trailer hitch. Simply drop in a plastic bag, drop your pants, then drop your load. Genius! Think of it as your own outhouse except it travels with you at all times. Perhaps that’s called and Out and About House (I better patent that quick). Only issue is it has no walls, so you may be clearly visible depending on where you are when the sudden urge to go strikes. Luckily though it is very attractive and can hold up to 500lbs so if your pet hippo has to poop it can go too. Or you can do a his and hers dump and it will easily support both of you.

The website claims only limited quantities are available so it’s best to act before 2020 when these sell out.